Sounds like M's are in the lead for Butler - not sure Duquette will give up as much as the Royals are asking, though I don't know exactly what that is. I personally think Willingham would be a great fit in Baltimore if they could get him for a decent price.

I don't like Willingham, never have. Not sure why... Last year was a career year for him, but he's always been good. Gets on base better than average, obviously has some pop. He's just always felt like the best of the 2nd tier to me, and I guess part of it is that I don't think he has a lot of upside. If he ever replicates what he did last year I'd be a little shocked. Which is not to say he won't keep being good - OPS+ in the 120-125 range, as he's always done until last year's 144 out of nowhere - but that's just not a blow-me-away number from a guy who doesn't play much defense.

I hope rumours of O's and Swisher aren't true. He's a decent producer and OBP guy and I don't dislike him, but something about his personality rubs me the wrong way at times and I could see him upsetting the balance of the clubhouse a bit. Chemistry is going to be hugely important if the O's hope to have anywhere near the season they did last year.

I know the game isn't played on paper (see: last year's Angels), but if the Jays get Dickey, it's all over in that division.

I haven't heard the O's linked to Dickey, but the Mets want catching or OFs. The O's could offer them young pitching to replace Dickey (though clearly not as good), and they have some OF depth. I don't see a match either, but we'll see. Duquette needs to do something. It almost seems like he's banking on the O's being better than the Red Sox, Rays and even Yankees by default.